Include is the prompt word for #FiveMinuteFriday this week. Everyone wants to be included somewhere, unless they prefer to be hermits.
When I was in late elementary to Jr. High, I wanted to be included. What often happened is that I was one of the last ones to be picked on teams in PE. That made me feel unwanted and added to my feelings that I wasn’t as good as the others.
It wasn’t all bad, though. I remember an event in sixth grade, which was the highest grade at my elementary school. Out of three sixth grade classes 8 students were chosen to demonstrate what we had learned in square dancing that year. I was one of the eight! This was for a program for all the parents at the end of the year. I had fun with that.
INCLUDE OTHERS IN COMMUNITY
I have learned through the years that as human beings we need community, not just with like-minded people. We need to learn to reach out and include people who might be a little different from us.
There is much to learn from each other when we allow for differences and listen to each other.
This has been my five minute free write on random thoughts I had about the prompt. I’m sure there is much more to say on the subject. Maybe that will be a topic for another blog post.
Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #SundayThoughts, #InspireMeMonday, #TeaAndWord
I too often felt left out when growing up. Including and encouraging others is a gift we must share… A lovely post with an important message, Gayle. <3 xo
Another thing we have in common. 🙂 Maybe that’s what helped me realize that I need to reach out, include and encourage others. Blessings to you, Bette! xo
A beautiful thought!
Thank you, Deepa. Blessings to you!
I resonate with these words, Gayl! I was one of those who weren’t chosen as well for PE teams and some other things during school years. Those tend to leave a shadow over our sense of being “wanted” that can be hard to let go if we have other things that reinforce it. So glad the Lord is able to bring healing to those places in us. What could be better than to be chosen by Him and included in His Kingdom!!!!
I think a lot of us know what it’s like, Pam. I agree it’s so good that God can bring healing. What a privilege to be included as his child! Blessings to you!
Gayl, I think those times of feeling excluded are common to all of us at some point or another. It hurts to be sidelined or excluded, even if it helps build resilience in us. How thankful we are to always be accepted, loved and included by God! May you have a blessed Mother’s Day weekend, feeling cherished and loved by your family. Love and hugs! xoxo 💜
It’s true that it hurts but also builds resilience. Amen to the fact that we are chosen and included and loved by God! What a blessing! I hope you also have a lovely Mother’s Day. Blessings to you, dear Joy! xoxo
Yep, have those PE memories too! I’m afraid I could easily become a hermit so I am making a conscious effort to find places to include and be included in! Thanks for your thoughts, Cindy on #fmf FB page
Yes, I have to make a conscious effort at times, too, but it is getting easier. When I realize my worth is in Christ, then I can have confidence to reach out to others. Blessings to you, Cindy! Thanks for visiting.
I was the kid that was often picked last too. And yes we do need community. I’m so thankful for the community that God has placed in my life. I’m in the 65 spot this week.
I’m really thankful for the online community that God has placed me with. So many wonderful people I would not have known otherwise. Blessings to you, Tara! xoxo
Oh, boy, I remember always being picked last for recess games because I wasn’t the most coordinated or capable. I’m still not. but I love that God wants me on his team, no matter what others think of me!
I agree, Anita! God picks us to be on His team all the time. 🙂 Blessings to you!